3 vs 4 blade

Luchog wrote: Beware not becoming another "Mr 69 I own all topics" this is a common question when selecting props TR. stay cool.

Im cool. I was just letting you know that everyone (you and I included) answered his exact question over 2 years ago, and provided a link since you apparently did not remember.

I think that tim's assessment of not a mind blowing change between the 4 and a new 3 would hold with the 1:1 props as well Brian. Steve Watkins tried and didnt buy a 540 over his 4 blade at Reid's in the fall. There is a difference, I could tell Steve's boat didnt have a 540 on it driving it in an irreverant and generally unsafe manner.. but would the average family boater more interested in watersports than beating up his boat notice $350 worth of difference.. no.

Skicat you dont have an 80 SN and you are not running silly ballast, if you have $350 to spend on your boat you want an acme 540 it is all around the best performing prop for your boat, and a big change over the stock federal or an oj legend. That is the first hand experience of someone who had the same hull and pays very close attention to performance.. take it or leave it.

Some of u are not
Listening. I am asking
For a opinion. I understand
We have discussed this. It doesn't
Matter if I am just going for a cruise,
Or taking a few buddies skiing, or
Pulling my nieaces on the tube. The question is
Which one out performs the other?
                                          

skicat2001 wrote: Some of u are not Listening. I am asking For a opinion. I understand We have discussed this. It doesn't Matter if I am just going for a cruise, Or taking a few buddies skiing, or Pulling my nieaces on the tube. The question is Which one out performs the other?

Lee, it is you who is not listening.

Define performance. Are you talking holeshot? Top end? Fuel economy? Smoothness? Wake shape? Wake firmness?

We have all been saying the same thing for 2 years now- it might be time to try a prop instead of asking the same question over and over!

skicat2001 wrote: Some of u are not Listening. I am asking For a opinion. I understand We have discussed this. It doesn't Matter if I am just going for a cruise, Or taking a few buddies skiing, or Pulling my nieaces on the tube. The question is Which one out performs the other?

It's you who's not listening, performance will depend on HOW AND WHAT you use your boat for. IT DOES matter if your going for a cruise, taking a few buddies or pulling tubes, skiers or boarders.

Any of the 3 props already mentioned, 540, 542 and 208 will outperform the stock prop in your boat. Now depending on the conditions you use your boat one would suit better than the other. I have already stated that I think the 540 is the best choice for you as it seems you want a "general use" prop.

TR,
I would like more hol shot
And keep the smoothness I have now. What are options?

For crying out loud
Thank u c bass.

Last question? The
540 is a 3 right.

You are going to go with a 3 blade over a four blade?? Why?

Just kidding! Merry Christmas to all, and to all....I am done reading this thread!

Bri892001 wrote: skicat2001 wrote: Last question? The 540 is a 3 right. Yes sir, it's a 3 blade. The 542 is also a 3 blade. The 208 is a 4.

Awsome! Thank u! I'm ordering the 540 when I get off work. My x mas present to myself..

JoeinNY wrote: I think that tim's assessment of not a mind blowing change between the 4 and a new 3 would hold with the 1:1 props as well Brian. Steve Watkins tried and didnt buy a 540 over his 4 blade at Reid's in the fall. There is a difference, I could tell Steve's boat didnt have a 540 on it driving it in an irreverant and generally unsafe manner.. but would the average family boater more interested in watersports than beating up his boat notice $350 worth of difference.. no.

Skicat,
It seems like the purpose of the thread might be dead since you indicated that you were ordering the 540. I'm sure you'll be happy with the prop, however, I'll add to this thread to tell you my (average CC owner) experience with props. What you need to keep in mind is that JoeinNY, TRBENJ, Hollywood and many others on this site have tested these props ad nauseum on our hull both with stock motors and highly tuned engines. At Reid's last fall, I asked these guys to drive my boat, give it a workout and then provide an honest opinion on it's performance, specifically with reference to the prop. Keep in mind that I'm running a 4 blade OJ prop and not the original Federal. All three commented that they felt that the 540 would improve all around performance.   While I don't doubt that hard data might show an improvement over my 4 blade and I do highly respect the above mentioned members' opinions, I tried it and there just wasn't enough of a difference to me to justify the price, but again I'm not as in tune with the feel drive, performance as these guys. Not many people are. However, I could tell immediately when Reid tapped the 2nd keg....had a slightly less bitter bouquet. Seriously, I think there'd be a big difference and that cost would be justified vs. the original Federal prop. That same weekend, I drove Morfoot's 88 with the old, original prop and there was a noticeable differnce b/w his prop and my 4 blade, but then again he's real hard on his equipment (beaches the boat, spills kool aid on the upholstery, runs 87 octane, uses Fram filters etc.)................................Kidding, Kidding!
He's meticulous as his boat shows

To sum it up, it didn't seem like you were hardcore enough in any one discipline, skiing, barefooting, cruising to really identify a single prop as being "the best". I'll bet you'll enjoy the performance of the 540, but would also be happy with a 4 blade like mine. Just keep in mind that these guys really, really look deep into this stuff. Don't get too bogged down in finding "the one do it all prop." It seems that all of these modern props should give better performance than the original, even for the average non-gear head CC owner. Good Luck!

Ok it's done then,540 on order,any idea what oil I should be using

I guess I am not seeing what the throttle response issue for you is.

Even at 240 hp, the 208 even in my boat with a heavier floor setup than stock, and a fat sac and people in the boat, I never had issues with any range of power. The boat has always pulled extremely well with the 208, overloaded or not. I ran my boat from 02-08 with stock 240 hp and the 208.

These motors are tuned to have a nice wide tq curve. I doubt there is much difference in tq from 2100-2700 rpm. All I can see by running 2600-2700 rpm is great fuel usage for boarding speed.

If the MW Federal performance level is a 1, I'll give the OJ Legend a 7 with 8,9,10 going to the various ACME offerings depending on how you use your boat.

I also wanted to add a special thanks for all the help. Though I know some of you,have motors that are supped up and have had lots of
Experience with all kinds of props. Special thanks to all replies and comments and even the smart ass ones too. I keep my motor well tuned to
And I am looking forward to seeing a performance change. Joein thank u sir, tr, and all for help.
I'm glad this part is over, and can enjoy a even better performance 2001. ;)